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The Acolyte, led by Leslie Headland, has become a lightning rod of criticism before its release. Headland, a former personal assistant to Harvey Weinstein, is infamous for her controversial connections and statements. Her hiring by Lucasfilm raised eyebrows, especially given her open advocacy for current-day identity politics—a focus that seems to dominate the narrative of the series.
Many fans express concern that The Acolyte is leaning heavily into feminism and queer representation while sidelining the franchise’s traditional themes. Critics argue that the series prioritizes current social politics over storytelling, which could alienate long-time fans seeking authentic Star Wars experiences rather than politically driven narratives.